True Pandemic Preparedness:
Health Care Reform Now

by Patrick Kennedy
for The Huffington Post

The recent outbreak of the swine flu serves as a stark reminder about the need for comprehensive health care reform in this country. Every citizen in this country should have access to affordable, high quality health care. Given the recent economic downturn, the group of nearly 46 million Americans without health insurance has grown by perhaps as many as 4 million. This population, and the larger group with under-insurance in our country, are highly susceptible to any pandemic outbreak. They are less likely to receive early preventative care, early diagnosis, early treatment, and due to financial fears, are less likely to take sick time from work. Not only is such a large group of Americans without the resources to combat a threat such as a pandemic flu for their own health safety, but having such a large group of people without access to proper care dramatically increases the risk of transmission to the rest of the population. The realities of biology will not let us separate into "us" versus "them" categories.

[read the rest in The Huffington Post]

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Dear Friends:

It is a privilege and honor to be re-elected by the people of Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District for another term. Here in Rhode Island, voter turnout set a new record, demonstrating a renewed sense of civic participation among our state's citizens. I have talked with many Rhode Islanders about their concerns on many critical issues that are affecting their daily lives and the future for their children: the economy, health care, education and our nation's stagnant energy policies. I am eager to get back to work and tackle these issues with President-elect Obama and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in Congress. It is time to rework our economy by rebuilding the middle class, investing in our nation's transportation infrastructure, and developing a strategy for energy independence. We also need to protect the fabric of our society by ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable, quality health care and putting children first by investing in education.

Mindful of this week's historic election, I am confident that by working together we as a nation will surmount the challenges ahead and emerge on a course that will enhance the future for generations to come.

Thank you again for your support. If you would like to stay in touch, please visit my web site and register to receive my e-newsletters. And as always, I hope you will share your ideas and feedback with me.

Sincerely,
Patrick J. Kennedy
Member of Congress